Arrival of manatee season generates excitement among residents and visitors

HOMOSASSA, Fla. — As the weather starts to cool, manatees are migrating toward warmer waters.

It’s a big boost for business and the local economy in Citrus County. The arrival of manatee season is generating a lot of excitement.

Near the waters of Homosassa Springs, visitors try to catch a glimpse of one of Florida’s most beloved marine mammals. 

“Last week started manatee season for us — November 15,” said Auvis Cole, Director of Tourism for Discover Crystal River. “At a place like Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park, you can come here and not only see manatees, but you can see an assortment of animals and everything.”

Manatee season has arrived at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park. An important time of year, says Cole. He expects they will see well over a million people visiting this year.

“We bring in a lot of people and the good thing is it’s all about being sustainable and eco-friendly,” he said.

Just in time for the season is the newly renovated underwater observatory, a fixture that has been at the park since 1964. It’s an engineering marvel for its time and still today.

“The schools of fish and then, of course, when the manatee comes in, it’s great,” said Cole. “It’s a way to experience it on a different level.”

Elsewhere in the park are other prime viewing areas.

“I think we’re the only industry that looks forward to having cold weather,” said Traci Wood, owner and captain of Homosassa Manatee Snorkeling Center.

Wood knows these waters better than most, including where the manatees like to gather.

“They come in here and they have a sanctuary that is right over here, where humans don’t get to go,” Wood said. “So the manatees get to go in there and stay warm and stay away from humans if they want to.”

It’s also the only place where visitors can get in the water and swim with the manatees.

“When you get in the water, right in front of them or right next to them, you really get an idea of one — how big they are, two — how gentle they are, and three — they can be really silly and playful and fun,” she said. “It really blows people away. It’s really amazing.”

An experience unlike any other.

You can see manatees up close for yourself at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park. Manatee season runs now until March 31.